Today's featured product is a sleek and contemporary white tile floor that will provide your space with a clean, modern feel (as demonstrated in the image above).

Those who are looking for an alternative to porcelain or ceramic tiles will find that Westco's 8mm White Gloss Laminate Flooring - available to buy from Floormaker.co.uk - provides an ideal solution, recreating the look of shiny, polished tiles while also being resilient, affordable, and easy to install.

Although many people love the grand and pristine appearance that a high-shine tile can bring to one's living space, they are often discouraged by the idea that tiles will be be extremely cool to the touch - a great quality if you live somewhere warm, but not so ideal for UK homes (especially during the winter months). Luckily, our white gloss laminate flooring will not drop to the same low temperatures as other tile materials, allowing you to achieve an immaculate finish without making your home feel too cold.

Here's a closer look at the benefits of our white gloss laminate flooring:

• Maintenance - Our laminate tiles are extremely hard-wearing, which means that you won't have to worry about them becoming easily damaged with daily use. In addition, laminate is also an easy-clean material, so you won't have to spend lots of time and money to keep it looking fresh.
  
  
• Installation - Like wood-effect laminates, our white gloss floor tiles simply click together with very little effort, making this flooring exceptionally easy to install.
  
  
• Versatility - Our white gloss laminate flooring can be used in a variety of settings, ranging from staircases to kitchens to conservatories, allowing you to create an impressive finish in almost any area of your home. In addition, this laminate is also compatible with underfloor heating, so you won't have to worry about any complications if that's a feature you enjoy in your property.

To see our full selection of high gloss flooring options, click here >

Whether you're looking to replicate the look of hardwood, or you'd like to make your room feel more spacious, longboard laminate flooring is a great way to achieve a luxurious finish in almost any space. The extended length of these laminate planks allows them to emulate the sleek and imposing appearance of real wood flooring, while also visually elongating your interior to create the illusion of more space.

This allows homeowners and designers to achieve their desired visual impact while also benefiting from the practical advantages of laminate flooring, which include:

• Versatility - Longboard laminate flooring can be used in variety of areas throughout your home or commercial space, including kitchens and conservatories.

• Easy Maintenance - Like other types of laminate flooring, our longboard products are easy to clean and resistant to scratches and scuffs.

• Simple Installation - The boards slot together easily for a simple and hassle-free installation process.

Longboard Laminate Flooring Examples

Here's a closer look at some of the longboard laminate products that we have available in our laminate flooring range:

14mm Longboard Laminate Flooring in Snow

A stunning white laminate that gives a bright, airy feel.

14mm Longboard Laminate Flooring in Moon

An attractive wood-effect floor with a dusty grey finish.

14mm Longboard Laminate Flooring in Sunset

A luxurious, warm-toned laminate that is almost indistinguishable from solid wood.

12mm Longboard Laminate Flooring in Makro Oak

Detailed grey flooring with a sumptuous textured effect.

View all laminate flooring products >

Laminate flooring is available in a wide range of styles and tones that can match just about any type of interior design, and so it's easy to see why many homeowners have thought about laying laminate flooring in their bathroom. However, because the bathroom is such a challenging environment (due to the humidity and moisture levels), it's natural to question: is laminate flooring waterproof?

The short answer is no, laminate flooring is not waterproof. A wide proportion of laminate flooring is made out of recycled hardwood, meaning that when laminate is exposed to a high volume of water and humidity, it can warp and dislodge itself from the sub-floor. 

There is a common misconception that laminate flooring is made of plastic, so it must be waterproof. However, unlike vinyl flooring, laminates are made out of materials like recycled core board and decorative HDF panels, which are not very water-resistant. You may find that some laminate flooring products are marketed as 'waterproof', but these are typically only coated with an extra hydro-repellent seal and may still warp when exposed to too much water.

When choosing a floor for your bathroom, we would recommend going with a more waterproof material such as those listed below.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Luxury vinyl (also known as LVT) flooring is made out of 100% plastic, making it one of the most waterproof flooring materials you can install in your home. Water will just sit on top of these flooring products instead of soaking into the fibres of the floor. Vinyl flooring is a much better choice for the bathroom than laminate flooring, and it's available in a similarly spectacular variety of styles.

Cork Flooring

Eco-friendly due to its sustainable nature, cork flooring is also naturally resistant to water, making it a great choice for the bathroom. It has a lovely, spongy texture underfoot, and more importantly it can cope with humid environments far better than laminate flooring can. Once installed, we would recommend covering your cork flooring with a layer of polyurethane to further protect it from water spills.

We hope this article has helped answer your questions about whether laminate flooring is water-resistant. Feel free to contact us if you have any further queries about our products.

Image from pixabay.com

When it comes to LVT flooring vs Laminate, it's difficult to compare these two fantastic flooring choices. On the one hand, laminate flooring has been a popular flooring choice for decades due to its varied range and accessibility. However, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles) does seem to be the new kid on the block and has risen in popularity lately.

LVT flooring is miles away from the durable but unattractive vinyl of the past and so we've put this little table together to compare the main benefits and cons of LVT vs Laminate Flooring. 

Browse our collections of LVT flooring and Laminate Floorings here. 

We hope this look at LVT Flooring vs Laminate has helped you in your search for the perfect flooring! If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to get in touch or call us on 02920 344 358.

In this modern day, laminate flooring is one of the most popular types of flooring on the market - and not without good reason. Laminate floors are hard-wearing, versatile, and affordably-priced, yet they also look fantastic, with a variety of textures and tones to choose from. Whether you want a traditional wood or tile look or something completely unique and off-the-wall, there's sure to be a laminate to suit your style.

So how is laminate flooring made? How do manufacturers achieve such a high level of durability while also creating a product that looks great and costs relatively little? Today, we will be helping you answer these questions - so pour yourself a cup of tea, and get ready to find out just how laminate flooring is made.  

What is laminate flooring made of? 

Laminate flooring consists of four different components that are bonded together (see image above). Each material plays a different part in making laminate flooring.

• First Layer: Balance Paper
  This protects the subfloor from moisture and gives the laminate floorboards added stability.

• Second Layer: Core Board
  This second layer is usually made from HDF (high-density fibreboard) or particle board and serves as the sturdy core of the flooring plank, providing density and moisture resistance.

• Third Layer: Decorative Paper
  This third layer is a high-resolution printed photograph of either wood, ceramic, stone or patterned flooring. This part is done so well nowadays that it makes high-quality laminate flooring look almost indistinguishable from the material (solid oak, for example) that it is trying to emulate.

• Fourth Layer: Wear Layer 
  This durable transparent wear layer usually contains aluminium oxide and melamine resin. It gives the laminate flooring a tough, hard-wearing finish that can stand up to the hustle and bustle of daily life.

How is Laminate Flooring Made?

Laminate flooring is made using the following high-pressure process:

1. Firstly, the different layers are stacked together precisely in large sheets. 
   
   
2. Next, machines are used to apply a large amount of pressure and heat onto the stacked materials. Temperatures must usually reach approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204°C) in order to secure the materials together.
   
   
3. Finally, the freshly-made laminate flooring is allowed to cool off. Once it reaches room temperature, it can then be cut into planks and shipped straight to your front door.

And that's how laminate flooring is made!

Browse our Laminate Flooring range now, or feel free to contact us if you have any further questions.

Dark grey flooring is a popular choice for many interior designers. It’s neutral whilst still making a stylish impact in just about any room. Dark grey tones can add a contemporary flare to an area, and unlike some shades of brown and beige, dark grey tends to look clean and sophisticated – also, it’s less likely to clash with any wood furniture you might have in your home!

Dark grey laminate flooring is the perfect choice if you need an affordable, practical surface that will still make a great impression on guests. Floormaker's laminate flooring is hard-wearing and comes in a diverse range of styles and designs, including many shades of grey - here are some examples of our beautiful dark grey laminate flooring products:

Dark Grey Wood Look

If you want a wood-look floor but in a material that is much easier to deal with than hardwood, then a dark grey wood-look laminate flooring may be perfect for you. This Highland Oak floor has the beautiful appearance of wood, and the coolness of the grey will compliment any furniture you have.

Pretty Grey Patterns

If you want to make an impression with your dark grey laminate flooring then this Palazzo Tile Effect flooring ticks all the right boxes! Add some Mediterranean elegance to your home with these beautiful monochromatic laminate tiles. 

Sleek & Shiny

Simplicity has never been so stylish as our Petrol High Gloss Tile effect flooring! The glossy finish of the tiles brings a modern feel to any space, while the cool tones exude a glamorous aesthetic. Perfect for any room in the house, these dark grey laminate tiles make for a beautiful addition to the home.

Browse all laminate flooring >

V-groove flooring is a type of laminate that's designed to offer the appearance of a hardwood floor by mimicking its look and feel more closely than other synthetic flooring products. V-groove laminate floorboards slot together very easily, so installation is a doddle, and they are available at a far lower price than most solid wood floors.

Pictured: Kronotex 7mm V-Groove Summer Oak Laminate Flooring

Who Should Use V-Groove Flooring?

V-groove flooring is a great choice for those who want to achieve the authentic look of a real wood floor, but with a material that is more practical and hard-wearing than traditional hardwood.

Is V-Groove Flooring Easy to Maintain?

Yes! While it may be designed to emulate the appearance of real wood, V-groove laminate flooring is a durable product that requires far less maintenance than hardwood flooring. To keep your V-groove flooring clean, simply use a well wrung-out mop and warm soapy water to give it a once-over every so often.

Where Can V-Groove Flooring Be Used?

V-groove flooring is suitable for:

• Kitchens
• Living rooms
• Conservatories
• Stairs and hallways
• Bedrooms
• Rooms with underfloor heating

What Does V-Groove Flooring Look Like?

Here are some of the V-groove laminate floors available here at Floormaker.co.uk:

• Left: Century Oak Grey Laminate - A contemporary grey floor with a slightly weathered look.

• Middle: Riffel Oak Laminate - A sandy-coloured laminate that's ideal for brightening up small spaces.

• Right: Riffel Oak White Laminate - A light laminate that will give your space a stylish, modern feel.

Want to see more floors like this? Click here to browse all Floormaker laminate flooring - remember, you can order up to 3 FREE samples to help you make up your mind!

It's normal to feel like your home needs a revamp. Everyone loves a freshly-decorated space, so perhaps you've been looking for ideas as to how to spruce your property up a bit. After a few sessions on Pinterest or Houzz, you may have come across some beautiful examples of painted laminate flooring, and now you're considering whether this is something you'd like to mimic in your own home.

However, as with most things on the Internet, it’s probably not all it’s cracked up to be. Yes, you can paint laminate flooring, but it's not necessarily something we would recommend.

Painting your laminate flooring may give you an attractive new design for a while, but it's not such a good idea in the long term. Laminate floors simply aren't designed to be painted - paint often doesn't stick to laminate flooring like it does other surfaces, so it is likely to chip and scratch off. Painting your laminate floor may give you your desired effect for a while, but it's very likely that you'll have to put in a lot of time and effort to maintain it by re-painting it every time it starts to degrade.

Besides, we believe laminate flooring is beautiful without being painted, and with so many designs to choose from you should be able to find the perfect floor for your home without then having to go through even more effort to paint it. Don't believe us? Just browse our own extensive range of laminate flooring designs!

If you want any advice on your flooring, feel free to get in touch with our customer service team today.

Thinking about laying some laminate flooring in your home? We only provide the best!

Laminate flooring is a highly versatile choice, and we offer a wide range of high-quality laminate flooring brands for you to choose from here at Floormaker. Today, we're going to look at some of the very best laminate flooring brands on the market and what makes their products so appealing.

We love these laminate flooring brands for many reasons, including their attention to detail and the durability of their flooring products. Over the years, laminate flooring manufacturers have become increasingly adept at producing floors of superb quality and variety, and both of those properties are plain to see in our own collection laminate floors.

Here at Floormaker, we are proud to stock a wide range of the best flooring products from the very best brands. Here's a look at the laminate flooring brands we work with and why they've made our list.

Kronotex

Kronotex was founded in Switzerland in the 1960s by the Austrian entrepreneur Ernst Kaindl. This brand has since gone on to become one of the biggest worldwide sellers of laminate flooring. We have a wide range of Kronotex products available here at Floormaker - click here to see some of them!

Kronoswiss

The Kronoswiss group believes in growth through quality and has continually worked to expand its range of products. This has led to a diverse range laminate flooring products which is why they're on our list of best laminate flooring brands. If you take a look at our range of Kronoswiss laminate flooring, you will see a high-quality range of wood-effect flooring designs that are suitable for domestic and commercial environments alike.

Westco

Next up on our list of the best laminate flooring brands is Westco. Westco has been established for over 90 years and is well known for providing quality service and reliable products at affordable prices. They are a leader in the world of laminate flooring products, which can be seen in the diverse range of laminate floors they provide. Here at Floormaker, we have Westco laminate flooring in the following styles:

• Wood effect
• High Gloss
• Tile effect
• Painted effect

Faus

The Faus company was established in the 1950s, in a small sawmill hidden away in Valencia. From that humble beginning, Faus has grown and grown, and the brand maintains its values of being sustainable and committed to preserving the environment. These values are why Faus has made it onto our list of the best laminate flooring brands - we're proud to stock a number of Faus laminate floors here at Floormaker.

To take a closer look at the laminate flooring products we stock from these and other brands, simply head to our laminate flooring department and select the brand you would like to see using the product filter.

If you have any questions about the flooring you'd like, you can get in touch with Floormaker's friendly customer service team via our contact form.

Thinking of using black laminate flooring for your next big interior design project? Every colour has different associations when used in home decor, and more often than not, the colour people associate with the word 'sophistication' is black. Perhaps that's what makes Floormaker's black laminate flooring range so popular!

Available in a wide range of different styles and textures, our black laminate flooring will allow you to achieve the exact look you want in your space. Black flooring is ideal for most rooms, especially if you're looking to pair it with bold-coloured furnishings. Its dark nature means that it does not detract from the details you've worked so hard to put together, instead making them more prominent and 'pop'. Of course, laminates come with lots of benefits too - a black laminate flooring is not only stylish but also resilient, hard-wearing, easy to install, and excellent value for money.

To provide you with some inspiration, here's a look at some of our best black laminate flooring products:

Kronotex 8mm White & Black Laminate Flooring

Faus 8mm Night Slate Black Laminate Flooring

Westco 8mm Black Laminate High Gloss Tile Effect 

If you're looking for more black laminate flooring products, we have a wide range here at Floormaker! Just click here or contact us to find out more. 

Selecting flooring for your kitchen can be a daunting task; in no other room is the floor regularly subjected to the same changes in temperature, humidity, spillages and other potential mess. To make your life easier we’ve compiled a kitchen floor style guide so you can seek out the best flooring ideas for your kitchen – we’ve considered everything from choice of flooring material, to style, look and value for money. 

Bamboo Flooring

Why pick bamboo? For the environmentally conscious, bamboo flooring is the best material to pick for your kitchen. Made from a fast-growing type of grass, bamboo flooring is eco-friendly and an attractive, sustainable flooring option for any modern kitchen. Of course, a clean conscience isn’t the only benefit to having bamboo floor in the kitchen – it’s also durable, naturally water resistant and at around £30.00 per m² this kitchen flooring is easy on the wallet.

Cons: If you like to have lots of choices, you might find there is – comparatively – a less extensive range of bamboo styles when contrasted with other flooring choices. Still, with such an attractive look it’ll be a good pick for the indecisive among you.

(Pictured: Kronotex 8mm Kamala Tile Style Laminate)

Laminate Flooring

Why pick laminate? Laminate flooring might not be the first material to spring to mind when you think of flooring suited to kitchens, however, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that this cost-effective laminate flooring is suitable for kitchens. Laminate floor is super easy to clean and highly resistant to denting and scratches – it’s definitely a good choice for those of you with a busy kitchen. It comes in an array of styles, effects and stains – from an authentic wood effect, to a tile look.

Cons: Laminate flooring is an undeniably a durable choice for the kitchen, but it is worth noting that it can be vulnerable to stains from standing water.

(Pictured: Luxury Vinyl Stone Clic Flooring)

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Why pick luxury vinyl? Our luxury vinyl flooring is a practical and stylish idea for any kitchen floor – it comes in a wide range of looks and is very low maintenance. If you want to update your kitchen flooring and not worry for 10+ years, luxury vinyl is the flooring for you. Long lasting and comfortable to walk on, our luxury vinyl flooring is more water resistant than any of the other listed floors making it perfect for the kitchen.

Cons: It’s hard to think of a downside to our luxury vinyl flooring; it’s inexpensive, durable and will look great in any kitchen. However, if you are environmentally inclined, may we suggest you refer back to our excellent bamboo flooring as vinyl is sadly not biodegradable.

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Whatever your taste, we have enough designs to suit every kitchen flooring preference. Find the right floor for you by browsing our collection!

If you have any further questions about our bathroom vinyl flooring then we are more than happy to help. We can help advise you on any of the products we supply so do not hesitate to get in touch, contact us today 

Jacobean Oak 

With an array of laminate flooring on the market, it can be tricky to pick one that is suitable for you. At Floormaker’s, we make it extremely easy for you to choose which flooring is best; whether that be home or commercial flooring. We stock various quality laminates, ranging from value to superior, and can all be styled to suit your desired aesthetic in any room. If you’re stuck for choice then we recommend dark laminate flooring as this product can create an array of looks that will instantly change your room design and décor – it’s also a very versatile flooring option and can be cleaned extremely easily. Dark laminate really is a head-turner as its rich designs give off warmth and sophistication. This colour laminate also reflects its distinct quality as it comes in various textures and finishes. Here are a few different designs of dark laminate that would look great in your home/work-place:

Black Slate Laminate Flooring 

Black Slate Laminate 

Starting at the higher-end of dark laminate flooring, take for example the luxurious Faus 8mm Night Black Slate. Although it leans towards the more expensive side to laminate, you definitely get what you pay for and with its easy application, this is a must have! The design of this laminate shows-off a variety of shapes in its décor, adding quirky and bold vibes to your creative space. Whilst its decorative features are certainly eye-catching, it is also an extremely hard-wearing floor, which therefore, can also be used for commercial properties. While you do pay more for Slate, it’s a great floor for any demographic use. Team this with light grey, white and pastel colour schemes for elegant and modern vibes in your living and/or work space! 

Black High Gloss Tile Effect 

Black High Gloss Tile Effect 

Despite Slate being a fantastic dark laminate for both home and commercial properties, have you ever thought of trying gloss flooring? Look no further if you have not. High Gloss laminate is great décor choice; it adds class and newness wherever it is used. Using Westco’s 8mm Black High Gloss Tile Effect Laminate as an example, its chic and shiny design looks superior and fresh wherever it goes. Ever wanted show-room quality in your own home? Here it is.  High Gloss tile effect creates the illusion of individual tiles however, it is much cheaper than having individual tile flooring – perfect! We certainly recommend High Gloss Laminate to anyone who wants their room to feel bright, airy and picturesque. Using dark high gloss accentuates the pristine shine on these floors. The glossy tiles reflect the brightness of any room and leaves it feeling spacious and light. So, what’s not to love about this?

Oak Laminate 

Oak Laminate Flooring

And finally, a classic; Oak Laminate. Who doesn’t love oak flooring? Dark Oak laminate tends to fall at the lower-priced-spectrum of dark laminate flooring. If you’re on a budget or, looking to reduce costs without reducing the quality / aesthetic quality of your flooring, then Oak Laminate is the one for you! Take Kronotex 8mm Harbour Oak Wide Plank Laminate as an example. The effect of Oak Laminate leaves rooms feeling traditional while, spacious and open. While this is a lovely feature of this style of laminate, there are many more excellent features of this of flooring, including its practicality. Oak Laminate tends to be easier to assemble and can be cleaned as easy as a sweep or mop; perfect for children, kitchen areas and spaces that tend to get a little messier!

These are just a few different flooring ideas we recommend if you’re toying with the idea of using darker flooring. While there are a range of styles and quality of dark laminate around, we provide insight into the best types of flooring available and how it can work in your home or business. So, what will it be for you? … Slate, for its quirkiness and hard-wearing features? High Gloss, for its chic and shiny design? Or, Oak Effect, for its classic feel and easy clean?

At Floormaker’s we provide only the best quality flooring. If you like what you see, you can order three FREE samples – try before you buy, we’re sure you’ll love!

Dark, Oak, Slate and Gloss Laminate are all flooring styles that look great in your kitchen, bathroom or even living room but why not go further? Why not have Oak with a twist or Laminate with a pattern? Say goodbye to mundane and toneless flooring and hello to stunning, bold, and eccentric flooring.

At Floormaker’s we stock a range of uniquely designed flooring that instantly adds quirky/vintage vibes throughout your home. No matter your style, our wide range of exclusive distinctive flooring will surely fit your taste and decorative style.

Here are a few distinctive designs that are timeless and suitable for a range of rooms and décor;

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Black Slate Tile 

Vinyl flooring is currently on trend and why you may ask? Not only does vinyl look good, it’s easy to assemble and gives the home style without being too pricey.

Our vintage wash vinyl flooring is extremely distinctive as its wood and tile effect design create an array of different patterns and looks. This flooring adds class to modern and traditional décor and its extensive colour range makes this one very versatile – take a look at our wide colour range of luxurious vinyl flooring here. If you like the sound of this flooring, then you’re about to fall in love; if you’re looking to save costs, this flooring option is perfect – vinyl is on the cheaper laminate spectrum but still keeps your room aesthetic looking spick-and-span so, what’s not to love about this one?

Laminate Flooring

Parquet Laminate Flooring

Parquet Laminate Flooring

With this funky pattern you’re sure to turn heads! Parquet Laminate is cool and light, its intricate design opens up any space it is used in and looks ideal in bedroom areas. Our Parquet Laminate Flooring’s wood effect is visually appealing and adds classic tones to rooms that can lean towards more neutral décor. What’s great about the Parquet design is that although it looks extremely intricate, it’s extremely easy to assemble. And, it doesn’t stop there… this floor can also be installed as a floating floor without the need to stick panels down, perfect, give me ten packs! 

Tile Laminate

Traditional Tile Laminate

Floormaker’s various range of floor tiles both in light and dark laminate are sure to make you want them in every room of your home! Take for example, Floormaker’s Traditional Tile Laminate; simply stunning. It’s classic yet modern floral design looks perfect in kitchens or bathrooms that need that extra bit of glam, just imagine these tiles with a neutral colour scheme and a single pop of colour – just wow! Alongside being simply gorgeous, we can assure you Floormaker’s tile laminates are extremely practical. Our laminate is ideal for spaces that tend to get a little messier such as, kitchens or bathrooms.

Palazzo Tile Effect Flooring

Palazzo Tile Effect Laminate Flooring

Saving the best distinctive flooring till last. Our darker coloured monochrome laminate is perfect for bright décor that is seeking some depth. Floormaker’s Palazzo Laminate is an eye-catcher and is completely grand. This flooring stands out and adds immediate character. Place this darker laminate in the hallway of your home and transform it into a palace, you’ll have your guests leaving in awe. Alternatively, why not place this in your living, kitchen or even out-house space for that extra detail. You can buy the Palazzo Tile Effect here at Floormaker’s and instantly transform your home.

Which Distinctive Flooring will you go for?

We understand there is an array of flooring styles and choosing the right one can be daunting – there are so many different colours and styles. However, Floormaker’s has the flooring that dares to be different and who doesn’t love flooring that stands out and gives that wow factor to your home? If you fancy a change, why not take look at our complete range of distinctive flooring, and order a FREE sample, today!